How a car works
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How A Car Works is a wonderful illustrated guide to how cars work

We have 236 articles which explain and illustrate how the various parts of a car function, and will show you exactly how a car works. Every part is covered - from the bumper to the tailpipe, passing the engine, transmission, brakes and steering.

And once you've learned how cars work you'll also find lots of helpful information about fixing a car. It's a treasure trove for readers, both mechanically inclined and not.

  Basics → 24 articles
  • How the braking system works - 1
    How the braking system works - 1
  • How the braking system works - 2
    How the braking system works - 2
  • How the charging system works
    How the charging system works
  • How the starting system works
    How the starting system works
  • How the cooling system works
    How the cooling system works
  • How the heating and ventilation systems work
    How the heating and ventilation systems work
  • The engine
    The engine
  • The engine - how power is created
    The engine - how power is created
  • The engine - how the valves open and close
    The engine - how the valves open and close
  • The engine - how it drives its ancillary parts
    The engine - how it drives its ancillary parts
  • How the electrical system works - 1
    How the electrical system works - 1
  • How the electrical system works - 2
    How the electrical system works - 2
  • How the fuel system works - petrol pumps
    How the fuel system works - petrol pumps
  • How the fuel system works - variable-jet carburettors
    How the fuel system works - variable-jet carburettors
  • How the fuel system works - fixed-jet carburettors
    How the fuel system works - fixed-jet carburettors
  • How the ignition system works
    How the ignition system works
  • How engine timing works
    How engine timing works
  • How the steering system works
    How the steering system works
  • How car suspension works - 1
    How car suspension works - 1
  • How car suspension works - 2
    How car suspension works - 2
  • How the transmission works
    How the transmission works
  • How a car clutch works
    How a car clutch works
  • How  manual gearboxes work
    How manual gearboxes work
  • How automatic gearboxes work
    How automatic gearboxes work
  Bodywork → 20 articles
  • Lubricating hinges, pedals and locks
    Lubricating hinges, pedals and locks
  • Cleaning the interior and checking seat belts
    Cleaning the interior and checking seat belts
  • Cleaning the outside and checking for rust
    Cleaning the outside and checking for rust
  • Replacing and adjusting windscreen wipers
    Replacing and adjusting windscreen wipers
  • Checking windscreen wipers and washers
    Checking windscreen wipers and washers
  • Cleaning and checking the underside
    Cleaning and checking the underside
  • Removing a door trim panel
    Removing a door trim panel
  • Adjusting and replacing window-winding mechanisms
    Adjusting and replacing window-winding mechanisms
  • Drilling holes in the bodywork
    Drilling holes in the bodywork
  • Eliminating rust before painting
    Eliminating rust before painting
  • Smoothing out a dent
    Smoothing out a dent
  • Patching rust holes
    Patching rust holes
  • Painting
    Painting
  • Painting / 2
    Painting / 2
  • Applying underbody sealant
    Applying underbody sealant
  • Adjusting catches and hinges
    Adjusting catches and hinges
  • Renewing hinge pins and hinges
    Renewing hinge pins and hinges
  • Renewing the exhaust system / 1
    Renewing the exhaust system / 1
  • Renewing the exhaust system / 2
    Renewing the exhaust system / 2
  • Fitting a new windscreen-washer motor
    Fitting a new windscreen-washer motor
  Brakes → 18 articles
  • Looking for leaks in the brake system
    Looking for leaks in the brake system
  • Adjusting the brakes / 1
    Adjusting the brakes / 1
  • Adjusting the brakes / 2
    Adjusting the brakes / 2
  • Adjusting the handbrake / 1
    Adjusting the handbrake / 1
  • Adjusting the handbrake / 2
    Adjusting the handbrake / 2
  • Renewing disc-brake pads / 1
    Renewing disc-brake pads / 1
  • Renewing disc-brake pads / 2
    Renewing disc-brake pads / 2
  • Renewing disc-brake pads / 3
    Renewing disc-brake pads / 3
  • Renewing drum-brake shoes / 1
    Renewing drum-brake shoes / 1
  • Renewing drum-brake shoes / 2
    Renewing drum-brake shoes / 2
  • Renewing drum-brake shoes / 3
    Renewing drum-brake shoes / 3
  • Bleeding the brakes / 1
    Bleeding the brakes / 1
  • Bleeding the brakes / 2
    Bleeding the brakes / 2
  • Replacing a drum-brake wheel cylinder / 1
    Replacing a drum-brake wheel cylinder / 1
  • Replacing a drum-brake wheel cylinder / 2
    Replacing a drum-brake wheel cylinder / 2
  • Checking and renewing brake cables
    Checking and renewing brake cables
  • Replacing a master cylinder and servo unit / 1
    Replacing a master cylinder and servo unit / 1
  • Replacing a master cylinder and servo unit / 2
    Replacing a master cylinder and servo unit / 2
  Electrical systems → 16 articles
  • Checking the batteries
    Checking the batteries
  • Checking battery leads and connections
    Checking battery leads and connections
  • Using a battery charger
    Using a battery charger
  • Checking, adjusting and refitting drive belts / 1
    Checking, adjusting and refitting drive belts / 1
  • Checking, adjusting and refitting drive belts / 2
    Checking, adjusting and refitting drive belts / 2
  • Checking generator output and battery condition
    Checking generator output and battery condition
  • Testing an alternator and checking output
    Testing an alternator and checking output
  • Testing a dynamo and checking output
    Testing a dynamo and checking output
  • Cleaning and replacing a control box
    Cleaning and replacing a control box
  • Check dynamo brushes and commutator / 1
    Check dynamo brushes and commutator / 1
  • Checking dynamo brushes and commutator / 2
    Checking dynamo brushes and commutator / 2
  • Removing and refitting a dynamo pulley
    Removing and refitting a dynamo pulley
  • Renewing alternator brushes / 1
    Renewing alternator brushes / 1
  • Renewing alternator brushes / 2
    Renewing alternator brushes / 2
  • Renewing alternator brushes / 3
    Renewing alternator brushes / 3
  • Fitting a new voltage regulator
    Fitting a new voltage regulator
  Cooling systems → 10 articles
  • Checking hoses and the radiator cap
    Checking hoses and the radiator cap
  • Checking for coolant leaks
    Checking for coolant leaks
  • Checking antifreeze strength and refilling
    Checking antifreeze strength and refilling
  • Checking heater and ventilator output
    Checking heater and ventilator output
  • Flushing the radiator and engine block
    Flushing the radiator and engine block
  • Draining and refilling a fully sealed cooling system
    Draining and refilling a fully sealed cooling system
  • Checking and changing a thermostat
    Checking and changing a thermostat
  • Replacing a water pump
    Replacing a water pump
  • Removing the radiator
    Removing the radiator
  • Replacing core plugs
    Replacing core plugs
  Accessories → 20 articles
  • Checking and replacing fuses / 1
    Checking and replacing fuses / 1
  • Checking and replacing fuses / 2
    Checking and replacing fuses / 2
  • Checking headlamps and lights / 1
    Checking headlamps and lights / 1
  • Checking headlamps and lights / 2
    Checking headlamps and lights / 2
  • Aligning the headlamps
    Aligning the headlamps
  • Fitting new lamps or sealed units
    Fitting new lamps or sealed units
  • Testing and replacing a flasher unit
    Testing and replacing a flasher unit
  • Checking and adjusting the horn
    Checking and adjusting the horn
  • Checking the instruments / 1
    Checking the instruments / 1
  • Checking the instruments / 2
    Checking the instruments / 2
  • Testing electrical circuits / 1
    Testing electrical circuits / 1
  • Testing electrical circuits / 2
    Testing electrical circuits / 2
  • Servicing the windscreen-wiper mechanism
    Servicing the windscreen-wiper mechanism
  • Servicing a windscreen wiper motor
    Servicing a windscreen wiper motor
  • Working on the wiring system / 1
    Working on the wiring system / 1
  • Working on the wiring system / 2
    Working on the wiring system / 2
  • Fitting a new speedometer cable
    Fitting a new speedometer cable
  • Overhauling a thermostatically controlled fan
    Overhauling a thermostatically controlled fan
  • Identifying and suppressing radio interference / 1
    Identifying and suppressing radio interference / 1
  • Identifying and suppressing radio interference / 2
    Identifying and suppressing radio interference / 2
  Engine → 25 articles
  • Checking and changing the engine oil / 1
    Checking and changing the engine oil / 1
  • Checking and changing the engine oil / 2
    Checking and changing the engine oil / 2
  • Timing-cover oil seal
    Timing-cover oil seal
  • Checking for oil leaks / 2
    Checking for oil leaks / 2
  • Checking the emission valve and breather
    Checking the emission valve and breather
  • Checking and adjusting valves / 1
    Checking and adjusting valves / 1
  • Checking and adjusting valves / 2
    Checking and adjusting valves / 2
  • Checking and adjusting valves / 3
    Checking and adjusting valves / 3
  • Replacing gaskets and oil seals / 1
    Replacing gaskets and oil seals / 1
  • Replacing gaskets and oil seals / 2
    Replacing gaskets and oil seals / 2
  • Replacing gaskets and oil seals / 3
    Replacing gaskets and oil seals / 3
  • Replacing engine mountings
    Replacing engine mountings
  • Replacing inlet and exhaust manifold gaskets
    Replacing inlet and exhaust manifold gaskets
  • Removing and refitting the cylinder head / 1
    Removing and refitting the cylinder head / 1
  • Removing and refitting the cylinder head / 2
    Removing and refitting the cylinder head / 2
  • Removing an overhead camshaft / 1
    Removing an overhead camshaft / 1
  • Removing an overhead camshaft / 2
    Removing an overhead camshaft / 2
  • Removing and grinding valves / 1
    Removing and grinding valves / 1
  • Removing and grinding valves / 2
    Removing and grinding valves / 2
  • Adjusting a camshaft timing belt /
    Adjusting a camshaft timing belt /
  • Adjusting a camshaft timing belt / 2
    Adjusting a camshaft timing belt / 2
  • Checking the cylinder compression
    Checking the cylinder compression
  • Checking the oil pump
    Checking the oil pump
  • Removing the oil pump
    Removing the oil pump
  • Cleaning air cleaners and renewing filters
    Cleaning air cleaners and renewing filters
  Fuel systems → 23 articles
  • Checking fuel pipes / 1
    Checking fuel pipes / 1
  • Checking fuel pipes / 2
    Checking fuel pipes / 2
  • Preparing for carburettor adjustment
    Preparing for carburettor adjustment
  • Adjusting an SU carburettor
    Adjusting an SU carburettor
  • Adjusting a Stromberg carburettor / 1
    Adjusting a Stromberg carburettor / 1
  • Adjusting a Stromberg carburettor / 2
    Adjusting a Stromberg carburettor / 2
  • Adjusting a fixed-jet carburettor
    Adjusting a fixed-jet carburettor
  • Adjusting an emission-control carburettor
    Adjusting an emission-control carburettor
  • Cleaning fuel-pump filters
    Cleaning fuel-pump filters
  • Checking a mechanical fuel pump
    Checking a mechanical fuel pump
  • Removing a carburettor for cleaning
    Removing a carburettor for cleaning
  • Checking and cleaning an SU carburettor / 1
    Checking and cleaning an SU carburettor / 1
  • Checking and cleaning an SU carburettor / 2
    Checking and cleaning an SU carburettor / 2
  • Checking and cleaning a Stromberg carburettor / 1
    Checking and cleaning a Stromberg carburettor / 1
  • Checking and cleaning a Stromberg carburettor / 2
    Checking and cleaning a Stromberg carburettor / 2
  • Checking and cleaning a fixed-jet carburettor / 1
    Checking and cleaning a fixed-jet carburettor / 1
  • Checking and cleaning a fixed-jet carburettor / 2
    Checking and cleaning a fixed-jet carburettor / 2
  • Checking and cleaning a GM Varajet carburettor / 1
    Checking and cleaning a GM Varajet carburettor / 1
  • Checking and cleaning a GM Varajet carburettor / 2
    Checking and cleaning a GM Varajet carburettor / 2
  • Checking and cleaning a Ford VV carburettor / 1
    Checking and cleaning a Ford VV carburettor / 1
  • Checking and cleaning a Ford VV carburettor / 2
    Checking and cleaning a Ford VV carburettor / 2
  • Renewing a fuel-gauge sender unit and tank
    Renewing a fuel-gauge sender unit and tank
  • Overhauling a mechanical fuel pump
    Overhauling a mechanical fuel pump
  Ignition System → 22 articles
  • Inspecting the ignition system
    Inspecting the ignition system
  • Cleaning, gapping and fitting sparkplugs
    Cleaning, gapping and fitting sparkplugs
  • Fitting new high-tension leads
    Fitting new high-tension leads
  • Fitting and adjusting contact-breaker points / 1
    Fitting and adjusting contact-breaker points / 1
  • Fitting and adjusting contact-breaker points / 2
    Fitting and adjusting contact-breaker points / 2
  • Fitting and adjusting contact-breaker points / 3
    Fitting and adjusting contact-breaker points / 3
  • Checking the dwell angle
    Checking the dwell angle
  • Fitting a condenser
    Fitting a condenser
  • Checking the high
    Checking the high
  • Checking the low-tension circuit
    Checking the low-tension circuit
  • Removing and refitting the distributor / 1
    Removing and refitting the distributor / 1
  • Removing and refitting the distributor / 2
    Removing and refitting the distributor / 2
  • Adjusting the static timing
    Adjusting the static timing
  • Stroboscopic timing
    Stroboscopic timing
  • Checking the starter circuit / 1
    Checking the starter circuit / 1
  • Checking the starter circuit / 2
    Checking the starter circuit / 2
  • Checking and replacing the starter motor
    Checking and replacing the starter motor
  • Replacing the Bendix gear
    Replacing the Bendix gear
  • Stripping the starter motor
    Stripping the starter motor
  • Replacing starter or dynamo bearings
    Replacing starter or dynamo bearings
  • Checking and replacing starter-motor brushes / 1
    Checking and replacing starter-motor brushes / 1
  • Checking and replacing starter-motor brushes / 2
    Checking and replacing starter-motor brushes / 2
  Steering → 18 articles
  • Checking steering-box mountings
    Checking steering-box mountings
  • Checking steering-rack security
    Checking steering-rack security
  • Lubricating the steering system / 1
    Lubricating the steering system / 1
  • Lubricating the steering system / 2
    Lubricating the steering system / 2
  • Checking steering swivel pins
    Checking steering swivel pins
  • Checking steering joints for wear
    Checking steering joints for wear
  • Checking the steering box
    Checking the steering box
  • Checking the steering rack
    Checking the steering rack
  • Adjusting and replacing a power-steering drive belt
    Adjusting and replacing a power-steering drive belt
  • Checking wheel alignment and adjusting toe setting / 1
    Checking wheel alignment and adjusting toe setting / 1
  • Checking wheel alignment and adjusting toe setting / 2
    Checking wheel alignment and adjusting toe setting / 2
  • Replacing steering-rack gaiters / 1
    Replacing steering-rack gaiters / 1
  • Replacing steering-rack gaiters / 2
    Replacing steering-rack gaiters / 2
  • Replacing track-rod-end ball joints
    Replacing track-rod-end ball joints
  • Replacing track-rod-end ball joints / 2
    Replacing track-rod-end ball joints / 2
  • Replacing other types of track rod
    Replacing other types of track rod
  • Refitting track rods and ball joints
    Refitting track rods and ball joints
  • Checking power-assisted steering
    Checking power-assisted steering
  Suspension → 16 articles
  • Checking suspension joints and pivots / 1
    Checking suspension joints and pivots / 1
  • Checking suspension joints and pivots / 2
    Checking suspension joints and pivots / 2
  • Checking damper units / 1
    Checking damper units / 1
  • Checking damper units / 2
    Checking damper units / 2
  • Checking engine dampers
    Checking engine dampers
  • Checking leaf springs and bushes for wear / 1
    Checking leaf springs and bushes for wear / 1
  • Checking leaf springs and bushes for wear / 2
    Checking leaf springs and bushes for wear / 2
  • Replacing anti-roll-bar bushes / 1
    Replacing anti-roll-bar bushes / 1
  • Replacing anti-roll-bar bushes / 2
    Replacing anti-roll-bar bushes / 2
  • Fitting new dampers / 1
    Fitting new dampers / 1
  • Fitting new dampers / 2
    Fitting new dampers / 2
  • Fitting new dampers / 3
    Fitting new dampers / 3
  • Replacing lever-arm dampers
    Replacing lever-arm dampers
  • Renewing MacPherson-strut inserts / 1
    Renewing MacPherson-strut inserts / 1
  • Renewing MacPherson-strut inserts / 2
    Renewing MacPherson-strut inserts / 2
  • Replacing coil springs
    Replacing coil springs
  Transmission → 16 articles
  • Checking the gearbox oil level, draining and refilling / 1
    Checking the gearbox oil level, draining and refilling / 1
  • Checking the gearbox oil level, draining and refilling / 2
    Checking the gearbox oil level, draining and refilling / 2
  • Checking the rear axle for leaks and changing the oil
    Checking the rear axle for leaks and changing the oil
  • Topping up and changing automatic transmission fluid
    Topping up and changing automatic transmission fluid
  • Checking the clutch cable
    Checking the clutch cable
  • Checking universal joints
    Checking universal joints
  • Adjusting the clutch / 1
    Adjusting the clutch / 1
  • Adjusting the clutch / 2
    Adjusting the clutch / 2
  • Adjusting the clutch / 3
    Adjusting the clutch / 3
  • Adjusting the clutch / 4
    Adjusting the clutch / 4
  • Bleeding the clutch
    Bleeding the clutch
  • Checking the half shafts
    Checking the half shafts
  • Checking and renewing clutch master and slave cylinders / 1
    Checking and renewing clutch master and slave cylinders / 1
  • Checking and renewing clutch master and slave cylinders / 2
    Checking and renewing clutch master and slave cylinders / 2
  • Replacing transmission oil seals / 1
    Replacing transmission oil seals / 1
  • Replacing transmission oil seals / 2
    Replacing transmission oil seals / 2
  Wheels and Tyres → 8 articles
  • Checking for wheel and tyre damage
    Checking for wheel and tyre damage
  • Avoiding tyre wear
    Avoiding tyre wear
  • Avoiding tyre and wheel damage
    Avoiding tyre and wheel damage
  • Checking, removing and refitting road wheels
    Checking, removing and refitting road wheels
  • Adjusting wheel bearings
    Adjusting wheel bearings
  • Lubricating and replacing wheel bearings / 1
    Lubricating and replacing wheel bearings / 1
  • Lubricating and replacing wheel bearings / 2
    Lubricating and replacing wheel bearings / 2
  • Lubricating and replacing wheel bearings / 3
    Lubricating and replacing wheel bearings / 3
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